Kelowna mom angry over care her son with autism received

The troubles with Coltin started this past summer, just after he turned 14. The autistic teenager was living with his mom and two-year-old sister when he suddenly became a bit depressed. His mother attributed it to a recent move and a doctor prescribed him Prozac to help. In early September, it sent him into a full-on manic episode.

“It was very aggressive,” said mother Rae Schan. “He was not sure where he was or what he was doing, repeating the same phrases, covered in feces. He wouldn’t let me touch him, wash him. I was afraid, so I called 9-1-1.”

He was rushed to Kelowna General Hospital. Schan says because staff didn’t know how to deal with Coltin, he spent much of his time sedated. Only a week into his stay, the hospital wanted to discharge him and a ministry official gave Schan an impossible decision to make.

“The ministry said they will not allow Coltin to come home with Oceana at home,” she said, referring to Coltin’s two-year-old sister. “They were going to take Oceana and put her in foster care, and have unwell Coltin come home with me.”

Rae refused and the hospital kept him for 73 days. Schan says Coltin was over-medicated and eventually became so sick he had to be flown to BC Children’s Hospital for treatment. Rae believes Coltin also suffers from bipolar disorder, and she’s thrilled he’s finally getting the help he needs in Vancouver.

Dr. Glen Davies, a psychologist who specializes in helping kids with autism, says he isn’t surprised Coltin didn’t get the best care.

“There really isn’t enough help for kids with autism and more severe behaviour, and it’s not distributed equally throughout the province,” he said. “In smaller communities, less and less help is available.”

Social workers and Coltin’s doctors are now working on the best plan for his future. That could include a group home or eventually Rae hopes, coming back home to live with her and his sister Oceana.